U of A Basketball Player Suspended After Arrest

Edwards said around 4:30 Thursday afternoon, detectives arrested Abreu, 21, along with 18-year-old Austin Durgala. They’re both charged with trafficking in marijuana and possession of marijuana.

Detectives seized over five pounds of marijuana from Durgala’s residence on East Dartmore Street.

“Five pounds of marijuana is a felony 3 which is pretty high up on the scale when you’re talking about marijuana and how much possession you actually have,” said Lt. Rick Edwards.

The Akron University Athletic Department announced that Abreu is indefinitely suspended pending the outcome of the case.

Abreu was also suspended for a game in 2011 after violating the team’s drug policy.

“It’s sad,” said student Tom Kupec. “He looks like a nice guy.”

Students and fans are disappointed and call the arrest bad timing for the team. They just finished an incredible 19-game winning streak and are ranked as one of the top teams and contenders going into tournament season.

Plus they must now face Kent State Friday night at 7 p.m. without the senior, and the MAC and NCAA tournaments are approaching quickly.

Students are now hoping both the team and Abreu can rebound.

“I mean he makes mistakes, hopefully he’ll bounce back and find whatever he’s trying to find,” said Kupac. “I mean college is a good time to figure out what you’re doing. He’ll bounce back.”

Abreu and Durgala were booked into the Summit County Jail.

They are both scheduled for an arraignment hearing in Akron Municipal Court March 8 at 9 a.m.